Antony and Cleopatra: Act 4, Scene 7

tragedy

Field of battle between the camps.

Scene Summary

Antony's forces win a skirmish. He sends Cleopatra thanks for the armour she fitted.

Alarum. Drums and trumpets. Enter AGRIPPA and others

AGRIPPA

Retire, we have engaged ourselves too far:

Caesar himself has work, and our oppression

Exceeds what we expected.

Exeunt

Alarums. Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS wounded

SCARUS

O my brave emperor, this is fought indeed!

Had we done so at first, we had droven them home

With clouts about their heads.

MARK ANTONY

Thou bleed'st apace.

SCARUS

I had a wound here that was like a T,

But now 'tis made an H.

MARK ANTONY

They do retire.

SCARUS

We'll beat 'em into bench-holes: I have yet

Room for six scotches more.

Enter EROS

EROS

They are beaten, sir, and our advantage serves

For a fair victory.

SCARUS

Let us score their backs,

And snatch 'em up, as we take hares, behind:

'Tis sport to maul a runner.

MARK ANTONY

I will reward thee

Once for thy spritely comfort, and ten-fold

For thy good valour. Come thee on.

SCARUS

I'll halt after.

Exeunt